IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

Friendships and relationships form a vital part of a person’s life. We all need companionship in every stage of our lives. Friendship is that one relation, which is free of conditions and boundaries, built naturally without any terms. Friends cheer us, support us, mock us but most importantly eliminates loneliness from our lives. In other relations, we might face several restrictions on being completely ourselves, but in friendships, people can be the original versions of themselves and share their heart out.

A man is a social creature and cannot sustain life in isolation. For the development of a healthy-minded person, relationships, parents, relatives and most importantly, friendships play a significant role. Isolation and lack of companionship can lead to many mental problems such as stress, depression and mental instability. In my opinion, almost every person spends 10 to 15 years in school. In school, a student has many friends, where he learns several new things from their teacher. In schools in dehradun not only ask their query related to study but also share their feeling as a good friend, who guide them in the right direction.

The value of friendship becomes even more significant when it comes to children. At a tender age, a child is in utmost need of a company. Parents and home are their safe harbour, but many due to work and other circumstances, parents cannot always be available for their kids. School going children, especially need to be under the influence of a friend as a constant companion. It is an essential aspect of a child’s development. Following are a few statements that gravitate towards the importance of friendships in a child’s life:-

1) Friendships are necessary for building the self-esteem and social capabilities of the children. When a child plays with his/ her friends, they get exposed to many other children from different societies and personalities. They become more interactive and develop many social skills that are imperative for healthy growth.

• Friendships lead to a wholesome and joyful life. Children who have friends are mostly satisfied as they frequently play-around together, gossip, hang out etc. Such children do not experience a lack of company and do not get bored or sad. Even the school becomes a better place as they look forward to meeting their friends and also, spend time with them.

• As children grow older, these friendships become even more relevant as they substantially help in reducing stress and also provide much-needed help and support in the various circumstances.

• Children become more aware and learn competence, compassion and endurance. There are arguments and a conflict of opinions, but children learn to reconcile and overcome such situations learning valuable life lessons.

Hence, the importance of friendships in a child’s life has been established through the arguments as mentioned earlier. But, many children may face difficulties in forming friendships. There might be particular reasons for this which may cause some deteriorating effects to a child’s mental health. They may develop social anxiety, a low self- esteem and an introverted and secluded persona. Therefore, it also the duty of the parents to make sure that their child develops some good friendships.

Role of Parents in building their kid’s friendships

Here are a few suggestions that the parents can follow to ensure that their children are indulged in healthy and fruitful friendships.

1) Encourage your child’s interaction with other children:- Provide your child with the opportunities to meet new kids and help them in communicating with them. If your child faces difficulty in starting the conversation with other kids, then act as an ice breaker for them. Help your child learn various sports and games and invited other kids to play with your child. Once a connection has been established, your child will be able to carry on the conversation leading towards a possible friendship.

Teach your kid to open up to other’s perspective:- Children can be very dominating and adamant about their demands and opinions. This leads to various arguments among children affecting their friendships. Teach your child to be patient and avoid any disputes. Please encourage them to open up to other’s views and develop a sense of sympathy in them. This does not mean that they also have to be involved in any corrupt practice that others introduce to them. Teach them the difference between wrong and right situations.

Help your child overcome negative feelings:- Conflicts and arguments are a part of any relation. If your child has got involved in a fight with his/ her friend, then help your kid to resolve the matter. Talk to them and make them understand the negatives and positives of the situation. Teach them to apologise in the instances where they are on the wrong side. 

Friendships become even more special when your child is a part of a boarding school like Ecole Globale girls boarding school. They become a family, having each other’s back when the situations go wrong. In a boarding, school friends play a significant role in building up a child’s personality. In the absence of the parents, friends are their only solace. No person can survive without this precious bond of friendship.

This article is contributed by Ecole Globale International School.